Iran’s Supreme Court upholds death sentence of political prisoner Babak Shahbazi – imminent risk of execution

Hengaw – Tuesday, August 5, 2025

The death sentence of Babak Shahbazi, a political prisoner held in Great Tehran Penitentiary, has been upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court, raising serious concerns about the imminent execution of yet another dissident. Shahbazi had previously been sentenced to death by the judiciary of the Islamic Republic on charges of “espionage for Israel” and “acting against national security.”

According to information received by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, the Supreme Court recently confirmed Shahbazi’s death sentence and ordered his transfer to Ghezel Hesar Prison, a move that has intensified fears of an impending execution.

Shahbazi was originally sentenced to death by Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolqasem Salavati, known for issuing harsh sentences against political and civil activists. The verdict was upheld by the Supreme Court with unusual speed, raising further concerns about due process.

Shahbazi’s case is marked by unfounded accusations and serious legal inconsistencies. The trial was conducted without adherence to basic standards of fair procedure. The charge of “espionage for Israel” was presented without credible evidence and was based solely on a message Shahbazi had sent to the President of Ukraine, expressing his willingness to support Ukraine in its war against Russia.

This message was later interpreted by Iranian authorities as "collaboration with Israel," and it was bizarrely claimed that Shahbazi had received training in Microsoft Word from Israeli agents.

During his detention, Shahbazi was subjected to both physical and psychological torture to force a confession. He was denied access to legal counsel of his choosing and stripped of his basic civil rights throughout the process.

Babak Shahbazi was arrested in January 2024 by Iranian security forces and initially held in Ward 4 of Evin Prison. Following an Israeli airstrike on Evin, he and several other political prisoners were transferred to Great Tehran Penitentiary.

Hengaw Organization for Human Rights stresses that the right to life is the most fundamental human right — without which all other rights are rendered meaningless. Hengaw urgently calls on international organizations and human rights bodies to use every available means to pressure the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately halt executions, particularly those targeting political prisoners.